Kelowna, BC, November 17– Tim Horton’s Holiday Smile Cookie week kicks off today, with 11 local restaurants choosing to support JoeAnna’s House. From Nov. 17 to 23, 100 per cent of proceeds from each Smile Cookie sold around Kelowna will support JoeAnna’s House and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

Last year, Kelowna Tim Horton’s locations raised over $25,000 for JoeAnna’s House operations and expansion project. 

“Every year, the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign grows bigger and brighter, and it’s incredible to see our community come together in such a heartfelt way,” says Lori Olsvik, Franchise Owner of four Tim Hortons locations in Kelowna. “These cookies do more than bring smiles, they help support families who need JoeAnna’s House during some of their toughest moments. We’re proud to be part of something that makes such a meaningful difference, year after year.”

JoeAnna’s House has been a home away from home for over 3000 families while their loved ones receive care at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). The home offers affordable, short-term accommodation right beside the hospital, and has been operating with a constant waitlist. With the demand exceeding capacity, 1,100 families haven’t been able to get in. The KGH Foundation broke ground on a 10-room expansion project back in September. The KGH Foundation is raising $5.3 million to expand and operate the home and help more families facing significant challenges.

“Supporting JoeAnna’s House has always been about creating meaningful impact for families who need to be close to care,” said Greg McAuley, Franchise Owner of three Tim Hortons locations in Kelowna. “Seeing the expansion begin to take shape is incredibly inspiring. We know how much this added space will mean to families in their hardest moments, and we’re proud to help make that support possible.”

With KGH serving as the leading referral hospital for up to one million people across the BC Interior, on average, one in four beds is filled by someone far from home. Each Smile Cookie sold plays a meaningful role by giving the gift of home to those families who will stay at JoeAnna’s House.

“We are beyond grateful for the year-after-year support our local Tim Hortons owners and teams show JoeAnna’s House,” said Carly Reuter, Director of Community Engagement. “JoeAnna’s House is a home built by our community, for your family, and that generosity can be felt the moment you walk through the door. It’s because of strong, caring partners like our local Tim Horton’s that we’re able to give the gift of home this holiday season to families who must be far from their own.”

New this year: Orders of two dozen cookies or more may qualify for free delivery! Store owners Lori and Travis Olsvik are stepping up to personally deliver larges orders- reach out to olsviktimhortons@gmail.com.

To preorder batch(es) of Holiday Smile Cookies for your business, family, or friends, please call or email the location that will be supporting JoeAnna’s House through the Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign closest to you. To see which location’s are participating please click here.

To learn more about the expansion project for JoeAnna’s House please visit www.joeannashouse.com/expansion.